KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 – Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has issued a high-priority safety alert to the public, stressing that electrical installations are strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel. The warning comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Perak where three individuals lost their lives due to high-voltage electrocution.
The national utility provider reminded citizens that infrastructure such as electrical poles, transmission cables, and distribution lines are not only critical assets but also carry extreme risks if tampered with or approached without professional training and equipment.
The alert was triggered by a grim discovery near Taman Rapat Mutiara in Ipoh. According to police reports, three men, aged between 35 and 50, were found dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the trio was attempting to cut and steal copper cables from a TNB utility pole when they were struck by a massive electrical discharge.
Following the discovery, TNB immediately dispatched a technical response team to the site to secure the area and ensure no further risk to the local community.
“TNB is providing full and transparent cooperation to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Energy Commission (ST) to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this incident,” the company stated in an official release.
Cable theft is more than just a crime of opportunity; it is a life-threatening gamble. TNB highlighted that interfering with electrical installations is a double-edged sword:
- Imminent Physical Danger: Power lines carry thousands of volts. Attempting to cut these lines—especially with makeshift tools—creates an “arc flash,” a type of electrical explosion that can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, causing instant death or catastrophic injuries.
- Public Safety Disruptions: Beyond the risk to the perpetrator, tampering with cables can lead to localized blackouts, damage to household appliances, and even fire hazards for the surrounding residential areas.
- Legal Implications: Under Malaysian law, trespassing on or damaging utility property is a serious criminal offense that can lead to heavy fines and lengthy imprisonment.
In light of this incident, TNB is reinforcing its public education campaign regarding “Safety First” around electrical assets. The company urges the public to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Maintain Distance: Never climb TNB poles or enter fenced-in substation areas. High-voltage electricity can sometimes “jump” or arc across a gap, meaning you don’t even have to touch a wire to be electrocuted.
- Report Vandalism: If you see broken cabinet doors at substations, sagging wires, or individuals acting suspiciously near utility poles at odd hours, do not intervene personally.
- Professional Assistance: Always hire licensed contractors for any electrical work near your home and ensure they do not interfere with the main supply lines coming from the street.
The loss of life in Ipoh serves as a sobering reminder of the volatility of the national power grid. TNB remains committed to maintaining a stable supply of electricity but emphasizes that public cooperation is vital in preventing such avoidable tragedies.
If you witness suspicious activity or notice damaged electrical infrastructure, please contact the TNB CareLine immediately or lodge a report at the nearest police station. Your vigilance could save a life
